Consultant Named in Huntley Wiretap Arrested

Melvin Lowe, a political consultant who worked with the State Senate Democrats, was arrested this morning on federal corruption charges.

Preet Bharara announcing corruption charges in a separate case earlier this year. (Photo: Getty)
Preet Bharara announcing corruption charges in a separate case earlier this year. (Photo: Getty)

Melvin Lowe, a political consultant who worked with the State Senate Democrats, was arrested this morning on federal corruption charges.

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Mr. Lowe is facing a nine-count criminal complaint in federal court alleging his participation in five separate illegal schemes, according to a statement sent out by the U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara earlier this afternoon. In total, the complaint alleges Mr. Lowe filed a litany of false paperwork and failed to report more than $2 million income in order to enrich himself.

Notably, Mr. Lowe was among nine individuals–mostly sitting state senators–who now-former State Senator Shirley Huntley recorded on wire while she was cooperating with authorities. Ms. Huntley is currently serving a year in prison for her own corruption scheme; the pols she wiretapped have professed their innocence.

“Today’s Complaint alleges that New York’s culture of political corruption extends beyond elected officials to the relatively unknown professional political insiders who work behind the scenes to carry out corrupt schemes,” said Mr. Bharara, who has indicted a slew of New York politician, in a statement. “Our investigation will continue and we will continue bringing to justice every corrupt official we find, as well as those who allegedly execute their unlawful plots.”

The charges against Mr. Lowe include wire fraud, bank fraud and criminal tax violations.

View the complaint below:
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Consultant Named in Huntley Wiretap Arrested